COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL September 16, 2015
9A
SEPTEMBER 13-19, 2015
Moving Into An
Assisted Living
Residence:
Making A Successful Transition
You have made the decision to move into an
assisted living residence. Yet you still have many
questions. Do I really need the help? Will I make
new friends? Will I receive help when I need it?
Will I continue to see my family and friends?
While all these questions are common, the answer
to all of them is the same— Yes! You can make new
friends, you can receive the personal assistance
you need, and you can continue to see your family
and friends. Change can be challenging. The time
it takes to transition is different for everyone. The
keys to success are preparation, a positive attitude,
a supportive network of family and friends, along
with patience and understanding—all will prepare
you for a smooth transition.
Privacy Concerns
One of the biggest differences between living
in your own home and assisted living is the
number of people under one roof. You will have
the opportunity to be around your contemporaries
and make new friends. However, that doesn’t
mean you will lose your privacy. Your apartment
is your space. Friends and family can visit you,
but you determine when. You may want to request
a key to your apartment for added privacy and
security.
What To Bring To Your New Home
Soon after selecting a facility, residents
say to begin planning for your move, including
deciding which personal items such as furniture,
keepsakes, and photographs to move. Based
upon their personal experiences, many residents
suggest you see the actual apartment or unit that
you will move into and take measurements. Ask
the administrator or director what furniture, if
any, the residence will provide. Some residences
may provide minimal furniture, such as a bed or
chair upon request; other residences encourage
you to bring whatever furnishings will make you
feel comfortable in your new home. Experience
indicates that making choices about personal
possessions is diffi cult at the time; however, one
resident said, “It’s not as bad as you think . . . Try
to remain positive and have family and friends
help you.” Residents suggest that you might want
to leave large pieces of furniture at home, since
your apartment will probably be smaller than your
current home. They also suggest that you bring
smaller prized possessions to create that “at-home”
feeling in your new assisted living apartment.
And, for those possessions that you can’t part
with but aren’t sure that you want to bring with
you, consider putting those items in a storage unit
or asking family to temporarily store the items for
you. This way you will have time to determine
which items are important to have with you at
your new home. You should start packing well
in advance of the actual move. Sort through
your clothes and decide what you will need and
how much your new closets will hold. Residents
advise to be sure to look at available closet and
storage space to avoid bringing more than the
closets can hold. Avoid bringing too many of one
thing such as coats.
Moving Day Helpers
When moving day arrives and you are ready to
set up your new home, ask family and friends to
help arrange and organize your apartment. Many
assisted living residences have staff members
who can help move your furniture and other
heavy pieces into your new apartment. You will
want to fi nd out what assistance the residence
offers before you arrive on moving day. Although
staff, family members, and friends are there to
help you, it is important that you decide how your
apartment is arranged. Remember, arranging your
apartment to suit your preferences will make your
adjustment easier.
Making the Emotional Transition
Moving is hard. It can make anyone feel
overwhelmed and stressed. However, these
feelings are generally temporary and disappear
after you establish your own routine. “Give it time
and you will adjust,” said one resident. In talking
with other residents, you will fi nd many of them
felt the same way. Some residents found comfort
in talking with clergy. Others found comfort in
talking to a neighbor or close friend. Residents
say the best strategy is to stay busy, introduce
yourself to other residents, and participate in
the activities. It is normal to have a tendency to
stay in your apartment at fi rst. Yet, getting out and
meeting other residents as well as participating
in activities were repeatedly identifi ed as the
quickest ways to become comfortable with your
new surroundings. Everyone is different. Some
people embrace the move with open arms, while
for others it may not be as easy. Whatever your
feelings, current residents say these feelings
are normal. Give yourself time to adjust. If you
feel you are taking longer to adjust than what
you consider normal, then you might benefi t
from discussing your concerns and feelings with
the administrator or director of the residence.
More Advice For New Residents
· Read all the materials about the assisted
living residence before you move in.
· Try and meet the administrator or director
and staff before moving day.
· Review the paperwork and contract before
you move in so that your questions
can be answered in advance.
· Pack wisely. Don’t bring everything.
· Obtain a list from the residence of suggested
items to bring.
· Obtain a list of residence policies and
familiarize yourself with them.
· Label your clothing if the residence is helping
you with laundry.
· Read the activity schedule and choose two or
three programs to attend early on
to meet your neighbors and other residents.
Advice for Friends and Family Members
Current residents advise friends and family
members to be involved before, during, and after
the move. Your loved one does not want to be
seen or treated differently now that they live in an
assisted living residence. Remember, your family
member or friend hasn’t changed; it’s only their
home address that has changed. Be aware. Family
members and close friends often experience the
same emotions as a new resident. These emotions
are natural and to be expected.
Suggested Do’s For Friends and Relatives
· If requested, help with the sorting, packing,
and moving.
· Listen as your loved one talks about what
they left behind.
· Be helpful even if you do not agree with the
decision to move.
· Recognize that moving to a new home
represents a major change.
· Call and visit often during the fi rst few
weeks.
· Be positive. A smile, support, patience, and
understanding are required.
Suggested Don’ts for Friends and Relatives
· Make all the decisions or take over the
sorting, packing, and moving process.
· Focus only on yourselves. This is about the
resident moving, not you!
· Criticize the decision to move into assisted
living.
· Make light of the transition.
· Immediately talk about selling the resident’s
house.
· Make promises that you cannot keep.
Final Thoughts
Everyone copes differently with change based
on his or her own personality, life experiences,
and circumstances. Patience, support, and
understanding are key themes that residents
say helped them, their families, and friends
with transitioning into assisted living. Rest assured
that the assisted living staff is experienced, ready,
and willing to assist you with your move. Don’t be
shy about asking questions or seeking assistance.
It is each assisted living residence’s goal that your
move is a positive experience for you.
Acknowledgements
The National Center for Assisted Living
(NCAL) extends its appreciation to the 2005 and
2006 NCAL Consumer Relations Committee
for their dedication and commitment to the
development of this brochure. NCAL gives a
special heartfelt thanks to the residents, families,
and staff members from assisted living residences
across the country that participated in meetings
and focus groups, and provided the guidance, and
advice necessary to write this brochure.
NOURISHING LIFE: MIND,
BODY, SPIRIT
Nourishment is the root of life, the basis
upon which all things are built. When prop-
erly nourished, living things thrive and grow
in aspects never before imagined. Each day,
all over the country, assisted living com-
munities provide a nourishing environment
for residents, families, team members, and
volunteers. National Assisted Living Week
is a time to celebrate the richness of life
that assisted living provides. This guide will
prepare and inspire you to plan events and
celebrations that showcase the enrichment
of life each and every day.
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Assisted Living and
Memory Care Apartments
Our beautiful community is designed
for those who need assistance or have
memory impairments. You can be
assured that you or your loved one
will receive the best in care along with
compassionate personal attention from
our well trained staff.
Call or stop by for more
information and a personal tour!
We are available
7 days a week!
1500 Village Dr., Cottage Grove, OR 97424
T
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